STEVE Ojomoh is back in the big time, relishing the challenge and aiming to help new club Newport go places this season.

The burly back row forward, who won 12 caps for England between 1994-98, watched his new team in action at Pontypool on Saturday, and cannot wait to get started after signing a one-year contract.

Now 32, Ojomoh admits that playing in Italy last season for Overmach Parma was a bit of an anti-climax after his England days and 10 years at big West country sides Bath and Gloucester. "They were two well-supported clubs, like Newport, and, after a year of playing in front of one man and a dog, I want to be part of a Newport team going places," said Ojomoh.

"I'm looking forward to playing big-time rugby again. It'll be a challenge and an opportunity.

"People might think it's the end going to play in Italy, but I had opportunities to play in South Africa and New Zealand and I was kicking myself for not doing that.

"I wanted to play abroad, but I suppose it was a case of being out of sight, out of mind and though it broadened my horizons, it wasn't brilliant."

While Ojomoh was playing in Italy, the thought of joining a club like Newport was the furthest thing from his mind.

"I wasn't thinking of it," he admitted. "But everyone has been talking about Newport for the last few seasons.

"With their organisation on and off the field, they are professional in every way.

"Apart from the challenge, it's an opportunity for me to prove why I was capped and played at the highest level."

He is well aware of the strengths of Welsh rugby and is keenly anticipating a return to Heineken Cup rugby.

"When I was at Bath, it was always an education coming across the bridge and playing at Cardiff, Newport, Llanelli, Swansea, Newbridge and especially Neath," he said.

"There are no easy games in the Heineken Cup and Newport are in a tough pool."

Ojomoh also realises Newport see him as the replacement for Peter Buxton and his ball-carrying skills and is anticipating that role.

"My strength is ball-carrying, as well as defence," he said. "With my experience, I hope I can bring Newport's young players on too."

Ojomoh will add to the list of internationals at Newport and he should bring something different to the Rodney Parade party as well.